Friday, September 23, 2011

How far along? 38 weeks and 6 daysHow big is baby? According to The Bump, 18.9 - 20.9 in. and 6.2-9.2 lbs; roughly the size of a watermelon.Total weight gain/loss: Up 29 lbs.Sleep: My Restless Leg Syndrome has basically gone, which is such a relief. Although that has been replaced with major contractions nearly every night! Poor Josh is awaken each time I try to get out of bed, as I'm grunting and groaning while trying to heave myself up. And he applies counterpressure to my low back during my contractions. He's a trooper.Best moment this week: Having the doctor tell me that as soon as the little man moves down into my pelvis more, labor should progress rather quickly, as my cervix is already very soft and I'm dilated to approximately 3 cm.Movement: Gradually slowing down. Its very easy for me to find his body, because its so large and he doesn't have much room in my belly. Often times, I start getting worried when I haven't felt him for a little while, so I go searching for his feet. Once I find them and push on them, he immediately pulls them away from my hand. And then proceeds to move around like crazy. Neither Josh nor I enjoy having our feet touched (we both hate it, actually), so we say he's taking after us already. :)Symptoms: Not even worth answering... I'm 9 months pregnant- I have almost EVERY symptom!!Symptoms I DON'T have: Carpal tunnel syndrome (or any of the symptoms) and heartburn.Food cravings: Nothing really. I'm constantly thirsty, but so.tired.of.water.Food aversions: Nothing that I've found.Gender: Boy!Labor Signs: Lots more contractions, including very strong ones that originate in my low back. Belly Button in or out?
Still flush with the rest of my belly, with the exception of one small
area right above the "pucker" of skin that is the belly button. That
part sticks out. Its like the protrusion and the skin don't match up!What I miss: Shopping for clothes that don't have an elastic waist, and not feeling like my skin is about to rip apart on my belly.What I am looking forward to: Meeting our son!Milestones: Feeling like we can finally relax and enjoy these last few days (weeks) of pregnancy.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Today I had my 38 week appointment, and I went in with very high expectations.

I was 2.5 cm dilated last week, and I thought surely I would have made some progress past that. Especially because throughout the night last night, but mostly from 3:00 AM until 6:30 AM, I was having pretty strong contractions again, with the main focus being in my back. We timed these contractions, and they ranged anywhere from 6 to 14 minutes apart. We kind of knew these probably weren't the "real deal", but still kept an eye on them at least. At the very least, we were hoping they would either help the little man descend further, or dilate my cervix more.

Neither of those happened.

The doctor said I'm still 2.5 cm, MAYBE 3 at the most. And still haven't effaced anymore over the last 3 weeks. I was pretty disappointed at hearing that. He also said that his head is still pretty high up, which I kind of knew already.

He did, however, say that all we need for me to go into real labor is for the kiddo to drop down. My cervix is apparently very soft (umm... thanks?), and the doctor said that once the baby's head drops down further into my pelvis, labor should progress rather quickly. He said the reason I'm not dilating anymore is because there's no pressure yet on my cervix; that's what we need to get things going.

He also told me that as soon as my contractions get to a steady 5 minutes apart, to head straight in to the hospital. He assured me that will mean his head has dropped down, and that we will most likely not be sent home. (Or obviously if my water breaks, we'll go right in.) It was nice to hear that labor is just a short step away, but frustrating because he said there's basically nothing I can do to get him to move down until he's ready to.

And of course, he was measuring just perfectly, with a heartrate of 135. I've now gone 3 or 4 weeks without any weight gain, which the doctor reassured me is just fine. And all of my bloodwork from last week came back normal, which is nice also.

So, here we sit. Me, big and pregnant and uncomfortable. Josh, impatient and jumpy and anxious. And Lane, who apparently is rather content to enjoy his freeride for a while longer.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Today was my 37 week doctor appointment, and after Sunday night's contractions, I was really hoping for some progress.

The last two weeks, I've been 1 cm dilated. When she checked today, I was 2.5 cm! Woohoo for progress!! She said the baby is now at a -2 station, and that that is a drop from last week (although she didn't mention what his station was last week). He is measuring at 39 weeks, and had a perfect heartrate. She also said she doesn't see us making it to our due date!

The bummer came when we were talking about my health, however. She said I'm now anemic, which isn't a big deal really. I was anemic all through high school, and just have to take an iron supplement. The doctor did, however, notice that my legs and feet are swollen, and that I've had a headache for the last few days, coupled with protein in my urine. All of these are red flags for pre-eclampsia. The one symptom I'm missing, however, is high blood pressure! Mine is still normal. So, they sent me for a blood draw to look into it further, and I should find out tomorrow what's going on.

Josh and I are getting extremely impatient, and are so ready to meet our son. We're going for a long walk tonight, and I'm hoping to start things moving!!

Sunday was going along like normal, with hardly any Braxton Hicks contractions. Josh and I went and watched the Seahawks game with our friends DJ and Kristina, and then came home to hang out for the evening. Around 7:30 - 8 PM, I started getting some pretty strong achiness in my lower back, which then radiated around to cramping in my pelvis. These were by far the strongest contractions I had ever felt. I just figured my body was practicing for the real thing, and that I would have a few and they would go away.

Around 9 PM, we decided to try timing the contractions, to see if where they stood regarding frequency and duration. I could tell one was coming by the pain in my back, and then my belly would get rock-hard. It was sometimes tough to tell when one ended though, as the back pain never went away.

They started out around 10 minutes apart, and lasted about 30-45 seconds. They then progressed to 6-7 minutes apart, and lasted for 1 min - 1 min 30 sec. I could still walk and talk through them, but I couldn't hold still when I had one. I would be lying in bed, one would start, and Josh would start applying counter-pressure to my low back. The counter-pressure felt great, but I just couldn't lie still. So, I would jump out of bed and start pacing the house, yelling at Josh when to stop the timer. Around 10 PM, I decided to finish up the laundry I had going in the washer, and just generally clean up our bedroom and bathroom, in case this was really it. I also threw a few things into my half-packed hospital bag, and Josh fished out the paperwork we had gotten from the hospital regarding when to come in, which entrance to use, etc.

We decided around 11 PM to call the hospital, and ask what they recommended we do. The nurse was wonderfully helpful, and didn't make me feel dumb for thinking I was in labor when I probably wasn't. She told me to drink as much water as I could tolerate in the next hour, and to wait until either I couldn't walk/talk through the contractions, or they were 2-4 min. apart. So, that's what I did. We went to lie down, and both tried to fall asleep. And wouldn't you know it- the contractions slowed down. By the time I fell asleep, they were 14+ min. apart and slowing down further.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

This is a term I've been waiting to be able to use, and a milestone I've been waiting to hit.

Just like waiting for that 13-week mark, to be "safely" in the second trimester.

Just like hitting 20-weeks, and finding out our anonymous baby is a sweet, strong boy; as well as being halfway through this pregnancy.

Just like the arrival of 24-weeks, and knowing our baby wad considered viable, if he chose to arrive then.

Just like 27-weeks, and making it into the third and final trimester.

And now, at 37-weeks, we are considered full term.

My pregnancy book says labor is "normal and expected" from this point on.

It is so strange, and reassuring, knowing my son won't be premature, and more than likely won't have to stay in the hospital more than the standard 24-48 hours. It's comforting to know I've contained him safely in my body for the past nine months, and that we will soon be meeting him.

So, sweet son of mine, feel free to arrive now, or continue baking a little longer. The choice is yours now!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

You have spent the last 9 months growing inside of me, developing from a mere speck to a 6+ pound kicking, hiccuping, squirming little boy. You and I have this bond that you cannot have with anyone else; I have nourished you with my body, and you have slept right next to my heart. Now that your due date is approaching, I know our days of being together constantly are numbered.

In the beginning, I anxiously waited for each appointment with the doctor, wanting to make sure you were okay. I wanted to hear your heartbeat, see you wiggling around on the ultrasound screen. Since I couldn't yet feel your movements, I needed that reassurance.

Now, I can feel the slightest movements you make, from stretching out your strong legs, to curling your body into a ball and sticking your little round butt out. I can even see you move, stretching my belly with each contortion to make. I can feel you hiccup, and can tell when you're sleeping and when you're wide awake and ready to move.

Sometimes we "play" a little game, and you poke a body part out against my belly. I push back on that part of my belly, and you pull away. As soon as I stop pushing, you poke it back out, and we repeat this again and again. To me, its another way we get to bond before you're actually born, and just another way you let me know everything is okay in there.

Each morning, when I've just woken up and start feeling your first movements of the day, I rub my belly, and tell you, "Good morning buddy!". Throughout the day, I repeat this rubbing, saying, "Hi buddy!". And each night, when I'm about to fall asleep and you're still rolling away like you always do at bedtime, I rub you a little more gently and slowly, and whisper, "Good night, buddy. I love you.". Your dad loves your movements too. Since he doesn't get to feel you constantly like I do, its always a special treat when you "perform" for him. You'll sometimes kick his hands, or push your little rear end out against him. You've showed off your hiccups for him, and Dad is always amazed at whatever you do.

I've had such a fun time decorating your room, and picking things out for you. Your dad has enjoyed it too, and has contributed many, many ideas. He wants everything to be perfect for you, and above all, for you to be safe. We have everything ready for you, from your car seat installed, to your diaper bag packed, to your coming home outfit decided on. Dad can't wait to see you in camo :)

So, little man, we are ready for you. We want you to stay inside as long as you need, but we cannot wait to meet you. We want to kiss your sweet cheeks, count all of your fingers and toes, smell that one-of-a-kind baby smell, and embrace being your parents. You are 50% of me, and 50% of your dad, and 100% perfect already.

Yesterday was my 36 week, 3 day checkup. It still seems so weird to be going every week- feels like I'm ALWAYS there!!

Little man was measuring right where he should be, and I didn't gain any weight this past week. I will say I've gained a little more than I would have liked to this pregnancy, but I'm still within the normal range. I used to always stress and whine about gaining weight, and then Josh gave me a little "talking to" and I've since changed my ways. He made me realize that as long as I was being healthy and not going to extremes, I should be enjoying this opportunity to not stress about what I'm eating, how many calories I'm consuming, etc. It is my job to make sure this baby is healthy and growing appropriately, and my vanity falls to the wayside. So now, even though I hate the weigh-in at each appointment, I no longer stress or worry. I just chalk it up to the whole pregnancy experience.

The kiddo's heartrate was a steady 140 bpm, and he's still very much head down. I'm still only 1cm dilated, but now closer to 75% effaced. She did say his head is lower this week though, which makes him closer to coming OUT!

I also had a blood draw to test for Rh antibodies, and received my RhoGAM shot again (I received it the first time at 25 weeks due to my car accident, its only good for 12-13 weeks).

This Saturday will put us at 37 weeks, which is considered full-term. I still can't believe we're about to hit this huge milestone!!!

Back to the doctor next week for another checkup. I only scheduled through September 20th, which will put me at 38 weeks, 3 days. I neglected to schedule one for past that due to my wishful thinking that he'll be here by then. :) Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Friday, September 2, 2011

I had my weekly checkup on Wednesday (so weird to be going weekly now!), and everything looked just great! Little man was measuring right at 36 weeks, and had a heartrate of 140 bpm. He was squirming all over the place! I gained a little more than I had wanted to do this 2-week period, but oh well. My doctor said my weight gain is still right on track, so if she's not worried, why should I be?

I knew I was going to be getting my Group B strep test that day, and when the nurse asked if I wanted my cervix checked for the first time this week or next week, I opted for this week. I figured if I had to undress anyways, why not kill two birds with one stone?

The good news is, WE HAVE PROGRESS! Not much (which I'm thankful for, because I don't want a too-early baby!), but I am (was) 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. She said its "a great start". No indication on whether he'll come before or after his due date, but that bit of news made me feel like at least we're headed in the right direction.

I go back in on Tuesday (which seems so soon!) for another check and some blood work. I have to have my RHOgam shot again between 36 and 37 weeks (I had it at 25 weeks due to my car accident), so that will probably be given next week as well.

My cousin (and BFF) Jessica and her husband leave for their honeymoon September 8th, and don't return until late on the 13th. Josh's aunt and uncle leave for a vacation on September 10th and return on the 13th also. So the kiddo has strict instructions to NOT arrive during that window! Also, Josh's mom leaves for a business trip on the 20th until the 23rd, so that time frame is out too.

So baby, if you're listening, let's shoot for the 14th - 19th, or the 24th or later, okay? Thanks!